I have worked as a waitress, became the first woman to graduate from the Citadel, started my own business, and served in elected office. At every level, there were people who viewed me as unqualified, unintelligent, and unimportant, solely because I am a woman.

And there is no doubt gender discrimination has resulted in lower pay, less job mobility, or tougher work standards for millions of women compared to their male counterparts. This is unacceptable: Two people in the same job with the same education, experience, and skill should receive the same pay and treatment, regardless of their gender, race, or any other irrelevant characteristic.